Braintree District Council outlined their annual budget at a meeting of the full council last night (February 22).

Here are the key points:

Council Tax

The council has decided to freeze its share of council tax in recognition of the financial challenges some residents have faced due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Improvments

  • £31,000 has been allocated to update CCTV camera in Braintree and Halstead, including a new camera in Halstead Public Gardens.
  • Over £745,000 of funding has been secured for town centre improvements in Witham and Halstead.
  • £750,000 allocated for upgrading the all-weather playing surface in Halstead
  • £100,000 allocated to four children's play areas in Braintree.

Climate change

Half a million pounds has been earmarked for future climate change initiatives.

Including 16 new electric car charging points, creating a community tree and bulb planting scheme and investing in cycling as a sustainable method of transport.

Car Parking

Charges will remain frozen at their current price with no increase.

This has been put in place to allow residents to visit town centres as soon as restrictions allow.